First Holy Communion Preparation
Welcome!
This page is for the children in 2nd Class who are preparing for First Confession & First Holy Communion in each of our seven primary schools. The sacraments of First Confession & First Holy Communion are wonderful celebrations, not only for you but for your family and the entire community. As a parish, we want to help you prepare to celebrate these occasions in your life so that they may be special and meaningful for you and your family.
First Holy Communions for 2022 take place on the Sundays from May 28th - July 3rd at the 12:00pm Mass
The First Communion for 2023 is now enrolling. Please read the letter to families before enrolling. The letter is available here.
Application forms are available here. Please complete the form and return it to the Presbytery as soon as possible.
As part of the preparations there will be a number of special Masses which you and your families are invited to participate in (online!). These Masses will also be accompanied by resource material that will be posted here beforehand.
Below you will find the dates & times of the Masses including some ideas that will help you prepare to celebrate these most special days in your life.
Looking forward to seeing you soon again!
My Prayers
Prayer is simply talking to God and one of the best way to prepare for First Holy Communion is by talking to God in prayer, either on your own or as a family. Here are some of our best known prayers which you can download and print out at home.
Sacred Space
A 'Sacred Space' is a special place in our home that reminds us of God's presence. This can be something very simple - a small table with a Cross, the Bible, a holy picture and a candle. How you create it is up to you! We invite you to create this space in your home so that you and your family can be regularly reminded of God's love and protection. Perhaps you can light the candle in the Sacred Space when you pray and also when you are participating in the Mass online.
An example of a Sacred Space
Visit your Church
During this time we cannot gather together for Mass but our Churches are still open for private prayer. It would be a great idea for you to visit your local Church (with an adult and keeping in mind the current travel restrictions) to say a prayer and light a candle. While you are there, take time to look at the religious statues, stained glass windows and sacred pictures. Who/what do you notice?
St Mary's Church, Westport
St Patrick's Church, Lecanvey
St Mary's Church, Drummin
Preparation Masses
Resources for each Mass including the Gospel story will be posted on this page in the days beforehand. We very much invite you and your family to join us for the Masses via our webcam or through parish radio (104.8FM).
Friday, 26 February at 10am. Click here for link to church webcam.
Watch: Video of Jesus in the Desert
Read: The Gospel story
Do: Discuss what you might give up (or take on!) for Lent
Pray: Prayer for Lent
Gospel story (Mark 1:12-15)
A reading from the Holy Gospel, according to Mark.
At once the Spirit made Jesus go into the desert, where he stayed 40 days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also but angels came and helped him.
After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 'The right time has come' he said, 'and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!'
Ideas for Lent
A Prayer for Lent
Lord, please show me what I should give up for Lent,
and when I've given it up, remind me to pray to You instead,
to thank You, to love You, to hear from You,
each and every day,
Amen.
Children's Mass - Wednesday, 31 March at 10am.
Our next Mass will be on Wednesday morning during Holy Week - March 31. You and you families are invited to participate in the Mass through our webcam. Click here for link to church webcam.
Watch: Video of the Holy Week story
Read: The Gospel story for Mass (you can also watch it)
Do: Think of five things you want to thank God for.
Pray: Prayer of Thanksgiving
Jesus dies on Good Friday
Read or Watch the Gospel Story for Mass
Thank You God!
At Easter we celebrate God's great love for each of us. We love God too and are thankful for all the good things he gives us.
What do you wan to thank God for? Discuss this with your family.
Prayer of Thanks to God
